A WHO report reveals how seemingly dangerous infections are contributing to 190,000 new cancer cases. Learn about the hidden enemy thriving within the body, silently laying the foundation for death.

Cancer Research Report

Cancer is often associated with poor lifestyle habits, tobacco, alcohol, or genetics. However, a recent global medical study has raised concerns among doctors and the public. According to a new report published in the medical journal "The Lancet Oncology," approximately 190,000 new cancer cases in India each year are directly caused by various bacterial and viral infections. This study has made it clear that some common infections, which persist for a long time, can lead to life-threatening cancers.

A major share of total cancer cases in the country

Researchers from the World Health Organization (WHO)'s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have presented some startling statistics in their study. According to the report, a total of more than 15.62 lakh new cancer cases were registered in India during the year 2024.

Surprisingly, over 12 percent of these cancer patients were attributing their illness to a chronic infection. Not only in India, but globally, these preventable infections account for approximately 12 percent of total cancer cases, or approximately 2.3 million cases.

Human papillomavirus HPV becomes the biggest enemy.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) has been shown to contribute the most to cancer cases caused by infection in India. This virus alone has caused more than 100,000 cancer cases in the country. This virus is primarily responsible for cervical cancer in women. The good news is that this serious threat can be completely prevented by getting vaccinated in time, but due to lack of awareness, this figure continues to rise.

These bacteria are targeting the stomach and liver.

After the HPV virus, the second biggest risk is related to stomach infections. According to reports, a stomach bacterium called Helicobacter pylori causes approximately 47,000 cancer cases in India, which eventually progresses to gastric or stomach cancer.

Additionally, the hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses, which damage the liver, pose significant challenges to the country. These viruses account for approximately 10,000 and 5,300 new cases of liver cancer, respectively. The Epstein-Barr virus has also been linked to approximately 22,000 cases. These are pathogens that remain hidden in the body for years and gradually cause cancer in cells.

Vaccination and timely testing are the biggest protection.

Following the release of this report, health experts say that these cases can be prevented if done properly. Since these cases are all related to infections, timely vaccinations, routine screenings, and timely treatment can significantly reduce the risk of cancer.

Giving girls the HPV vaccine at an early age and vaccinating newborns against hepatitis B can be the most effective steps in this direction. Additionally, it's crucial not to ignore chronic stomach problems or infections and to immediately consult a doctor.